Related Conditions

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in Children

Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. These infections are very common, especially among young people. The United States has some of the highest rates of STDs in the industrialized world.

Anyone who has sex can get an STD, but young people are particularly affected. Two-thirds of STDs occur in people under 25, mostly because young people are more likely to be sexually active.

The rates of STDs are on the rise, possible because of higher rates of sexual activity with multiple sex partners.

Many STDs such as AIDS, herpes and syphilis, can be passed on from mother to the baby at birth. STDs can also cause low birth weight and premature babies. Babies with infected mothers can have problems such as pneumonia, eye infections and brain damage.

The prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is a top priority at Boston Children's Hospital. There are many different types of STDs with varying symptoms and severities, and Children's has different programs that provide young people and parents with the testing, treatment and counseling they need.

At the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, we encourage parents to talk to their children about sex before they become teenagers or decide to have sex. If you think your teenage girl would benefit from doing her own research, we recommend she take a look at the Center for Young Women's Health website, which is full of guides and easy to understand information about sex, STDs and much more.

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